On the eve of the Iowa caucuses, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a former ally of Donald J. Trump, delivered a scathing criticism of the former president, implying that Trump is prioritizing personal loyalty over the well-being of the nation.
In 2017, then-president Donald Trump threw his support behind Ron DeSantis in the race for Florida governor. Politico reported that this endorsement from Trump was a major boost for DeSantis, a Tea Party conservative, enabling him to beat right-wing GOP candidate Adam Putnam, who was serving as Florida's agriculture commissioner at the time.
“Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a great governor of Florida. He loves our country and is a true fighter!” Trump wrote on X.
In 2022, at a rally in Florida, former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed DeSantis' re-election after speculation about tension between the two.
“You will re-elect Ron DeSantis as governor of your state,” Trump said a day after Trump referred to DeSantis as “Ron DeSantis” at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Trump, known for his influential role in Republican politics, was a crucial figure in DeSantis' rise to the governorship. Trump's endorsement was an important factor in DeSantis' victory, helping him secure the Florida governorship over other Republican candidates.
However, the political landscape has changed dramatically since then. Despite Trump's pivotal role in his success as governor, DeSantis decided to challenge his former mentor in the upcoming presidential election. Many within the Republican Party view this decision as a sudden act of betrayal and disloyalty.
On Sunday, on the eve of the Iowa caucuses, Ron DeSantis publicly criticized former President Donald Trump, accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over those of the country during a campaign rally in Ankeny, Iowa.
“You can be the most worthless Republican in America, but if you kiss the ring, he'll say you're great. You can be the most powerful, conservative, most dynamic, successful Republican in America. But if you don't accept that ring, he'll try to destroy you. You know what you deserve,” he said. DeSantis: “The candidate who will put you first, not himself first.”
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JUST IN: Ron DeSantis, once a Trump supporter, claims Trump is putting himself before the American people and attacks Republicans who “kiss the ring” of Trump.
“You can be the most worthless Republican in America, but if you kiss the ring, he'll say you're awesome.” pic.twitter.com/RgfJ1ko7H3
– Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 15, 2024
